ES2896730T3 - Cardboard box having dispensing function and blank for same - Google Patents

Abstract

A blank (10; 210) for forming a carton (90; 290) for containing a plurality of articles (C), the blank (10; 210) comprising: a plurality of main panels (12, 14 , 16, 18; 212, 214, 216, 218) hinged together in a linear series, the plurality of main panels configured to form a tubular structure in an assembled carton (90; 290), the plurality of main panels comprising a bottom panel (12, 212), a first side panel (14; 214), a top panel (16; 216), and a second side panel (18; 218); a plurality of trailing end flaps (30, 32, 34, 36; 230, 232, 234, 236) configured to form a front panel (84; 284) on the assembled carton (90; 290), the front panel configured to enclose a front end of the tubular structure, the plurality of trailing end flaps comprising a first trailing end flap (32; 232) hingedly connected to said first trailing end panel (14; 214). side along a first marginal area of the blank along a longitudinally extending fold line (21; 221) and a hingedly connected trailing end second side flap (36; 236) to said second side panel (18; 218) along said first blank edge area along a longitudinally extending fold line (21; 221); a pattern of the dispenser extending across the top panel (16; 216), first side panel (14; 214), second side panel (18; 218), and front panel (84; 284), in wherein the dispenser pattern comprises a first end dispenser pattern (60; 260) formed on the flap (32; 232) of the first side of the outlet end and a second end dispenser pattern (62; 262) formed on the flap (32; 232). flap (36; 236) of the second side of the exit end, wherein the first end dispenser pattern (60; 260) comprises a first first end tear line (51; 251) and the second end dispenser pattern comprises a first second end tear line (52; 252), and wherein the first first end tear line (51; 251) and the first second end tear line (52; 252) are configured to extend toward down toward each other from opposite sides of the front panel (84; 284) in the carton (90; 290) mounted, wherein an outer edge of said flap (32; 232) of the first side of the trailing end is disposed opposite to said longitudinally extending fold line (21; 221), wherein an outer edge of said flap (36; 236) of the second side of the trailing end is disposed opposite to said longitudinally extending fold line (21; 221), said blank (10; 210) being characterized in that said first and second end dispenser patterns (51, 52; 251, 252) do not extend completely through said respective flaps (32, 36; 232, 236) of the first and second sides of the exit end but stop before the outer edges of the respective flaps (32, 36; 232, 236) of the sides first and second from the exit end, so that, in the assembled carton, a bridge portion (305) is generally defined by a region of the front panel (84, 284) between the terminal ends of said first lines (51). ; 251; 52; 252) of torn, where said pa Bridge part provides partial removal of a dispenser flap defined by the dispenser pattern, where the first line (51. first end tear line (52; 252) and second end first tear line (52; 252) are configured to define at least in part a bottom edge of a dispenser (92; 292) that is at least partially retractable in the box mounted carton (90; 290) and wherein said first end dispenser pattern comprises a first J-shaped cut (53; 253) disposed at or adjacent to said terminal end of said first tear line (51; 251) of the first end), and wherein said second end dispenser pattern comprises a second J-shaped cut (54; 254) disposed at or adjacent to said terminal end of said first second end tear line (52; 252) said first and second cuts (53, 54; 253, 254) being configured in a J-shape to stop further tearing of said flaps (32, 36; 232, 236) from the first and second sides of the exit end of the panel (84; 284) in the assembled carton (90; 290).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Cardboard box having dispensing function and blank for same

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a carton for containing articles, to a blank for forming the carton, and more particularly to a carton having an improved dispensing element.

BACKGROUND

Closed cartons with dispensing elements have been used in the past. Many of these cartons include item dispensers defined by interruption lines, such as tear lines, cut lines, score lines, and fold lines. A dispenser may be removable from or hingedly attached to a carton to create an opening through which items can be removed from the carton. A problem with many conventional carton dispensers is that they can be difficult for the user to remove. Another problem with conventional carton dispensers is that they do not facilitate the user's ability to choose between two dispensing configurations, a first configuration in which the dispenser remains partially connected to a remaining portion of the carton and a second configuration in which the dispenser remains partially connected to a remaining portion of the carton. that the dispenser has been completely separated from the remaining part of the carton. The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art.

US 2005/0189405 to Gomes et al discloses a carton with an improved dispenser at one end of the carton that preserves the integrity of the carton when opened while allowing the lower end flaps to be attached to the panel. stay in place and also a portion of the flap on each side of the end that overlaps the bottom end flaps. This dispenser has a bottom tear line at the end of the carton that only extends partially through the end of the carton. The tear line extends up from each side of the lower tear line to form end retainers to prevent cans in the second row of the carton from rolling off. Placing the bottom tear line no higher from the bottom of the carton than is necessary to retain one can in the bottom row and make the end retainers on each side of the carton no larger than As necessary to prevent a can in the second row from rolling off, easy access is provided to the cans in the bottom row of containers after the cans in the second and third rows have been removed from the carton. This dispenser can also provide a safety net for the first can dispensed. The top tear line in the top panel to form the dispenser flap is located at a distance from the exit end of the carton that is significantly less than the diameter of a can to be contained in the carton . Preferably, this distance is between 70 and 85% of the diameter of a container to be contained in the carton, but can be as short as 50% of the diameter of a container plus about three millimeters.

COMPENDIUM

A first aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carton for containing a plurality of items, the blank comprising: a plurality of main panels hinged together in a linear array. The plurality of main panels are configured to form a tubular structure in an assembled carton. The plurality of main panels comprises a bottom panel, a first side panel, a top panel and a second side panel; a plurality of trailing end flaps configured to form a front panel on the assembled carton. The front panel is configured to close a front end of the tubular structure. The plurality of trailing end flaps comprises a trailing end first side flap hingedly connected to said first side panel along a first marginal area of the blank along a fold line extending longitudinally extending and a trailing end second side flap hingeably connected to said second side panel along said first marginal area of the blank along a longitudinally extending fold line. A pattern of the dispenser extends across the top panel, the first side panel, the second side panel, and the front panel. The dispenser pattern comprises a first end dispenser pattern formed on the flap of the first side of the outlet end and a second end dispenser pattern formed on the flap of the second side of the outlet end. The first end dispenser pattern comprises a first end tear line and the second end dispenser pattern comprises a second end tear line. The first end tear line and the second end tear line are configured to extend downward toward each other from opposite sides of the front panel in the assembled carton. An outer edge of said flap on the first trailing end side is disposed opposite said longitudinally extending fold line. An outer edge of said trailing end second side flap is disposed opposite said longitudinally extending fold line, said blank being characterized in that said first and second end dispenser patterns do not extend entirely through said respective flaps of the first and second exit end sides, but stop before the outer edges of the respective flaps of the first and second exit end sides, so that, in the assembled carton, a bridge part is generally defined by a region of the front panel between the terminal ends of said first tear lines of the first and second ends. The bridging portion allows partial removal of a dispenser flap defined by the dispenser pattern. The first end first tear line and the second end first tear line are configured to define at least in part a bottom edge of an at least partially removable dispenser in the assembled carton and said first end dispenser pattern comprises a first J-shaped cut disposed at or adjacent to said terminal end of said first end tear line. The second end dispenser pattern comprises a second J-shaped cut disposed at or adjacent to said terminal end of said first second end tear line. The first and second J-cuts are configured to stop further tearing of said flaps from the first and second trailing end sides of the front panel in the assembled carton.

Optionally, said first end tear line defines a first axis and said second end tear line defines a second axis, a first angle between said first axis and a horizontal axis of said front panel being at least about 5 degrees , and a second angle between said second axis and said horizontal axis of said front panel is at least about 5 degrees.

Optionally, the dispenser pattern is configured to leave at least a portion of said dispenser connected to a remaining portion of the assembled carton when said dispenser is fully open.

Optionally, the pattern of the dispenser is configured to give the user of the assembled carton the option to partially or completely remove the dispenser from a remaining portion of the assembled carton when the dispenser is fully open.

Optionally, the first end tear line comprises a first plurality of V-shaped surface cuts, each of said first plurality of V-shaped surface cuts comprising a first tab generally coinciding with an axis of said first line of first end tear and a second leg angled slightly off said axis of said first end tear line and toward the top of the assembled carton, said first second end tear line comprising a second plurality of surface cuts V-shaped. Each of said second plurality of V-shaped surface cuts comprises a first leg generally coinciding with an axis of said first second end tear line and a second leg inclined slightly off said axis of said first tear line of the second end and towards said upper part of the assembled carton.

Optionally, the blank further comprises a first side dispenser pattern formed on the first side panel and a second side dispenser pattern formed on the second side panel, the first side dispenser pattern comprising a first line of first side tear slanting obliquely toward the rear and bottom of the assembled carton and a second first side tear line slanting obliquely toward the front panel and top of the assembled carton. A terminal end of the second tear line of the first side is disposed at or adjacent to a starting end of said first tear line of the first end. The second side dispenser pattern comprises a first second side tear line slanting obliquely toward the rear and bottom of the assembled carton and a second second side tear line slanting obliquely toward the front panel and bottom of the assembled carton. top of the assembled carton. A terminal end of the second tear line of the second side is disposed at or adjacent to a starting end of said first tear line of the second end.

Optionally, the first side dispenser pattern blank comprises a curved first side tear line connecting said first side first tear line and said first side second tear line, and said second side dispenser pattern comprises a curved second side tear line connecting said first second side tear line and said second second side tear line.

Optionally, the first end dispenser pattern blank comprises a second first end tear line disposed at or adjacent to a terminal end of said first first end tear line. The second tear line from the first end curves down toward the bottom of the assembled carton. The second end dispenser pattern comprises a second end tear line disposed at or adjacent to a terminal end of said second end first tear line. The second tear line at the second end curves down toward the bottom of the assembled carton.

Optionally, the first J-cut blank is disposed within relatively close proximity to a lower edge of said outlet end first side flap, wherein the second J-cut is disposed within the relatively close proximities to a lower edge of said flap of the second side of the outlet end.

Optionally, the first end dispenser pattern blank and said second end dispenser pattern are configured to allow a user to fully withdraw said dispenser when said dispenser is fully open, said complete withdrawal of said dispenser tending to cause a generally vertical tearing of the first side trailing end flap through a region of said first side trailing end flap extending between said first J-shaped cut and said bottom edge of said first side trailing end flap outlet end. Complete withdrawal of said dispenser is further configured to cause a generally vertical tearing of the second outlet end side flap through a region of said second outlet end side flap extending between said second tab-shaped cut J and said lower edge of said flap on the second side of the outlet end.

A second aspect of the invention provides a carton and a plurality of items contained therein, the carton comprising: a top panel; a lower panel; a first side panel coupled to both the top and bottom panels; a second side panel disposed opposite the first side panel and attached to both the top and bottom panels; a rear end panel disposed at a rear end of the carton; a trailing end panel disposed at a forward end of the carton, the trailing end panel comprising a first trailing end side flap hinged to the first side panel along a first fold line wherein an outer edge of said first trailing end side flap is disposed opposite said first fold line; and a second side trailing end flap hinged to the second side panel along a further fold line. An outer edge of said trailing end second side flap is disposed opposite said additional fold line. A dispenser defined by a dispenser pattern, the dispenser pattern defining a dispenser flap which is removable along said dispenser pattern to form an opening into said carton. The pattern of the dispenser extends through at least the top panel, the first side panel, the second side panel, and the outlet end panel. The dispenser pattern comprises a first end dispenser pattern formed on the flap of the first side of the outlet end and a second end dispenser pattern formed on the flap of the second side of the outlet end. The first end dispenser pattern comprises a first end tear line and the second end dispenser pattern comprises a second end first tear line, defining a lower edge of the dispenser flap. The first end tear line and the second end tear line extend downward toward each other from opposite sides of the trailing end panel. The carton is characterized in that said first and second end dispenser patterns do not extend entirely through said respective flaps of the first and second exit end sides, but stop near the outer edges of the flaps. respective first and second trailing end sides, whereby a bridge portion is generally defined by a region of the trailing end panel between the terminal ends of said first and second trailing end first tear lines. The bridging portion allows partial removal of the flap from the dispenser. The first end dispenser pattern comprises a first J-shaped cut disposed at or adjacent to said terminal end of said first end first tear line. The second end dispenser pattern comprises a second J-shaped cut disposed at or adjacent to said terminal end of said first second end tear line. The first and second J-cuts are configured to stop further tearing of the trailing end panel.

Optionally, the plurality of containers comprises a plurality of cans.

Optionally, the plurality of cans are arranged on their sides in at least two stacked rows. The width of said top panel and said bottom panel is approximately equal to, or slightly greater than, the characteristic height of each of said plurality of cans.

Optionally, the first end tear line defines a first axis and said second end first tear line defines a second axis. A first angle between said first axis and a horizontal axis of said front panel is at least about 5 degrees. A second angle between said second axis and said horizontal axis of said front panel is at least about 5 degrees.

Optionally, the pattern of the dispenser is configured to leave at least a part of said dispenser flap connected to a remaining part of the box when said dispenser is fully open.

Optionally, the dispenser pattern is configured to give the carton user the option to partially or completely remove the dispenser flap from a remaining portion of the carton when the dispenser is fully open.

Optionally, the first end tear line comprises a first plurality of V-shaped surface cuts, each of said first plurality of V-shaped surface cuts comprising a first tab generally coinciding with an axis of said first line of first end tear and a second tab angled slightly off said axis of said first end tear line and towards the top panel. The first tear line of the second end comprises a second plurality of V-shaped surface cuts, each of said second plurality of V-shaped surface cuts comprising a first tab generally coincident with an axis of said first tear line of the second end. end and a second leg sloping slightly off said axis of said first cut line of the second end and towards the top panel.

Optionally, it further comprises a first side dispenser pattern formed on the first side panel and a second side dispenser pattern formed on the second side panel. The first side dispenser pattern comprises a first side tear line slanting obliquely toward the rear and bottom panels of the box and a first side tear line slanting obliquely toward the outlet end panel and top panel. A terminal end of the second tear line of the first side is disposed at or adjacent to a starting end of said first tear line of the first end. The second side dispenser pattern comprises a first second side tear line slanting obliquely towards the rear and bottom panels and a second second side tear line slanting obliquely towards the outlet end panel and the top panel. A terminal end of the second tear line of the second side is disposed at or adjacent to a starting end of said first tear line of the second end.

Optionally, the first side dispenser pattern comprises a curved first side tear line connecting said first side first tear line and said first side second tear line. The second side dispenser pattern comprises a curved second side tear line connecting said first second side tear line and said second second side tear line.

Optionally, the first end dispenser pattern comprises a second first side tear line disposed at or adjacent a terminal end of said first end first tear line. The second tear line from the first end curves down toward the bottom panel. The second end dispenser pattern comprises a second end tear line disposed at or adjacent to a terminal end of said second end first tear line. The second end second tear line curves down toward the bottom panel.

Optionally, the first J-shaped cutout is disposed within relatively close proximity to a lower edge of said first outlet end side flap. The second J-shaped cutout is disposed within relatively close proximity to a lower edge of said second outlet end side flap.

Optionally, said first end dispenser pattern and said second end dispenser pattern are configured to allow a user to fully remove said dispenser flap when said dispenser is fully open, such complete removal of said dispenser flap tending to cause a tear generally vertical portion of the first trailing end side flap through a region of said first trailing end side flap extending between said first J-shaped cutout and said bottom edge of said first trailing end side flap exit. Complete withdrawal of said flap from the dispenser is further configured to cause a generally vertical tearing of the second outlet end side flap through a region of said second outlet end side flap extending between said second cut in J-shape and said bottom edge of said outlet end second side flap.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set forth in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be taken independently or in any combination thereof. For example, features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless feature incompatibility exists.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the carton formed from the blank of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the carton of Figure 2 in an open or dispensing configuration;

Figure 4 is a plan view of a carton blank according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the carton formed from the blank of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the carton of Figure 5 in a first open or dispensing configuration in which the dispensing flap remains partially connected to the rest of the carton;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the carton of Figure 5 in a second open or dispensing configuration in which the dispensing flap is completely removed from the remainder of the carton;

Figure 8 is a close-up plan view of the flap on the first side of the trailing end of the blank of Figure 1;

Figure 9 is a close-up plan view of the flap on the first side of the trailing end of the blank of Figure 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of packaging, blanks, and cartons are described herein. It will be understood that the embodiments described are merely examples of how certain aspects of the invention may be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all ways in which the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word "exemplary" is used broadly to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, samples, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks and cartons described herein can be made in various and alternative ways. Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials, or methods are not necessarily described in great detail to avoid complicating the present description. Any specific structural and functional details described herein are not to be construed as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

In the embodiments detailed herein, the term "carton", for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, refers to a container for attaching, transporting and/or dispensing articles, such as cans and bottles. However, it is contemplated that the teachings of the invention may be applied to various containers, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Other exemplary articles include bottles (eg, metal, glass, or plastic bottles), cans (eg, aluminum cans), food cans, bags, packages, and the like. In this specification, the relative terms "bottom", "bottom", "top", and "top" may indicate particular orientations relative to fully assembled cartons.

Figure 1 is a plan view of a blank 10 used to form a carton 90 (illustrated in Figures 2-3) in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. The blank 10 is generally rectangular in shape and includes a plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18 and an adhesive flap 20 hinged together in a linear array. The trailing end flaps 22, 24, 26, 28 and the leading or trailing end flaps 30, 32, 34, 36 are hingedly connected at respective ends of a corresponding one of the main panels.

The blank 10 includes a bottom panel 12 hinged to a first side panel 14 by a fold line 11. The first side panel 14 is hinged to a top panel 16 by a fold line 13. The top panel 16 is hinged to a second side panel 18 by a fold line 15. The second side panel 18 is foldably connected to an adhesive flap 20 by a fold line 17.

The bottom panel 12 is foldably connected to a rear end bottom flap 22 and a trailing end bottom flap 30. The first side panel 14 is foldably connected to a first trailing end side flap 24 and a first trailing end side flap 32. The top panel 16 is foldably connected to a rear end top flap 26 and a trailing end top flap 34 . The second side panel 18 is foldably connected to a rear end second side flap 28 and a trailing end second side flap 36. The rear end flaps 22, 24, 26, 28 may extend along a first marginal area of the blank 10 and may be foldably connected along a first longitudinally extending fold line 19 . The trailing end flaps 30, 32, 34, 36 may extend along a second marginal area of the blank 10 disposed opposite the first marginal area, and may be foldably connected along a second fold line 21 that extends longitudinally. The longitudinal fold lines 19, 21 may be straight or substantially straight fold lines, or may be offset at one or more locations to account for, for example, the thickness of the blank. When the carton 90 is assembled, the end flaps 22, 24, 26, 28 close a rear end of the carton 90, and the trailing end flaps 30, 32, 34, 36 close a front or rear end. out of the box 90 cardboard.

The carton blank 10 includes a dispenser pattern 40 defining a dispenser 80 on the assembled carton 90 . The dispenser pattern 40 includes a dispenser top pattern 70 disposed on the top panel 16. The dispenser top pattern 70 includes a first top tear line 41 and a second top tear line 42 . The first upper tear line 41 extends in a generally longitudinal direction from a point at or adjacent to the fold line 13 to a point at or adjacent to an opening element 66 . Opening element 66 may be disposed at or near a midpoint of top panel 16 between fold lines 13 and 15. The first top tear line 41 may be slightly angled in the direction of the leading or trailing end of the carton. The second top tear line 42 may be a generally mirror image of the first top tear line 41 . Second top tear line 42 extends in a generally longitudinal direction from a point at or adjacent to top tear line 15 . folded to a point at or adjacent to the opening element 66 . The second top tear line 42 may be slightly angled in the direction of the leading or trailing end of the carton. The opening element 66 may be defined by a cutout semicircular opening 55 and a fold line 58 defining an elongated generally rectangular flange 59.

The dispenser pattern 40 also includes a first side dispenser pattern 44 disposed on the first side panel 14 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first side dispenser pattern 44 is generally V-shaped and consists of a first first side tear line 47 and a second first side tear line 48, joined together via a line 43 . The rounded tear line forming the apex of the V-shape. The first side tear line 47 extends from a point at or adjacent to the fold line 13 that is at or adjacent to the first top tear line 41 to a point at or adjacent to the rounded tear line 43 . The first side tear line 47 extends in a predominantly longitudinal direction (ie, toward the bottom of the constructed carton 90), but is also sloped toward the rear end of the carton 90. The second tear line 48 on the first side extends from a point at or adjacent to the rounded tear line 43 to a point at or adjacent to the fold line 21 . The second tear line 48 on the first side extends in a predominantly transverse direction (ie, toward the front end of the constructed carton 90) but is also sloped toward the top of the carton 90.

The dispenser pattern 40 also includes a first end dispenser pattern 60 disposed on the flap 32 of the first side of the outlet end. Figure 8 shows a close-up view of the first end dispenser pattern 60. The first end dispenser pattern includes a first end tear line 51 . The first end tear line 51 extends from a point at or adjacent to the fold line 21 that is at or adjacent to the second first side tear line 48, to a point at or adjacent to a cut 53 in the form J. The first end tear line 51 preferably consists of a plurality of V-shaped surface cuts arranged in a relatively straight line defining an axis. The first leg of each of the V-shaped cutouts generally coincides with this axis, and the second leg bends slightly off-axis toward the top of the constructed carton 90 . The first end tear line 51 extends in a predominantly transverse direction (i.e., toward the second side of the constructed carton 90) but is also sloped downward toward the bottom of the carton at an angle a with respect to the horizontal (with reference to the built carton 90). Angle α is preferably at least about 5 degrees. The first end tear line 51 does not extend completely through the flap 32 of the first trailing end side, and the J-shaped cut 53 is thus spaced inwardly a distance from the outer edge of the flap 32 of the trailing end. first side of the output end. The J-shaped cut 53 is configured to stop further tearing of the flap 32 on the first side of the trailing end. In the first illustrated embodiment, the "hook" of the J-shaped cutout 53 faces upward toward the top of the constructed carton 90 .

The dispenser pattern 40 also includes a second side dispenser pattern 46 disposed on the second side panel 18 . The second side dispenser pattern 46 may be a generally mirror image of the first side dispenser pattern 44 . In the illustrated embodiment, the second side dispenser pattern 46 is generally V-shaped and consists of a first second side tear line 49 and a second second side tear line 50 joined together by a rounded tear line 45 forming the apex of the V-shape. The second side first tear line 49 extends from a point at or adjacent to the fold line 15 that is at or adjacent to the second top tear line 42 to a point at or adjacent to rounded tear line 45 . The second side's first tear line 49 extends in a predominantly longitudinal direction (ie, toward the bottom of the constructed carton 90), but is also sloped toward the rear end of the carton 90. Second side tear line 50 extends from a point at or adjacent to rounded tear line 45 to a point at or adjacent to fold line 21 . The second side tear line 50 extends in a predominantly transverse direction (ie, toward the front end of the constructed carton 90) but is also sloped toward the top of the carton 90.

The dispenser pattern 40 also includes a second end dispenser pattern 62 disposed on the flap 36 of the second side of the outlet end. The second end dispenser pattern 62 may be a generally mirror image of the first end dispenser pattern 60 . The second end dispenser pattern 62 includes a second end tear line 52 . The second end tear line 52 extends from a point at or adjacent to the fold line 21 that is at or adjacent to the second side tear line 50, to a point at or adjacent to a cut 54 in the form J. Second end tear line 52 preferably consists of a plurality of V-shaped surface cuts arranged in a relatively straight line defining an axis. The first leg of each of the V-shaped cutouts generally coincides with this axis, and the second leg bends slightly off-axis toward the top of the constructed carton 90 . The second end tear line 52 extends in a predominantly transverse direction (i.e., toward the first side of the constructed carton 90) but is also sloped downward toward the bottom of the carton at an angle a with respect to the horizontal (with reference to the built carton 90). Angle α is preferably at least about 5 degrees. The second end tear line 52 does not extends entirely through second side trailing end flap 36 and therefore J-cut 54 is spaced inwardly a distance from the outer edge of second trailing side flap 36 . J-cut 54 is configured to stop further tearing of flap 36 on the second side of the trailing end. In the first illustrated embodiment, the "hook" of the J-shaped cutout 54 faces upward toward the top of the constructed carton 90 .

The dimensions of the blank 10 may be selected to suit the defining dimensions or characteristics of the articles to be housed within the carton 90 . For example, the top panel 16 and bottom panel 12 may have a width W1 that generally corresponds to or slightly exceeds the height of the containers C or other items to be housed within the carton 90 . When cylindrical or substantially cylindrical containers C are used, the first and second side panels 14, 18 may have, for example, a height H1 that generally corresponds to or slightly exceeds an integer multiple of the largest or characteristic diameter of the containers C. For For example, if the packages C are to be stacked in two rows in the box 90, the height H1 of the box 90 may be approximately equal to or slightly greater than twice the largest or characteristic diameter of the packages C.

Carton 90 can be assembled from blank 10 by gluing or otherwise adhering adhesive flap 20 to the inside of bottom panel 12 so that bottom panel 12, first side panel 14, top panel 16 and second side panel 18 may be open or configured to form a generally tubular sleeve. The ends of the generally tubular sleeve can be closed by folding and adhering the rear end flaps 22, 24, 26, 28 and the trailing end flaps 30, 32, 34, 36. The outer surfaces of the lower and upper flaps 30, 34 of the outlet end may be glued, for example, to the inner surfaces of the flaps 32, 36 of the first and second sides of the outlet end. Containers C, or other items, can be loaded into the sleeve in a conventional manner at any time before one or both ends of the carton are closed by flaps 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 , 36 from the ends.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the carton 90 assembled from the blank 10. In the assembled box 90, the rear end flaps 22, 24, 26, 28 form a rear end panel 82 and the trailing end flaps 30, 32, 34, 36 form a leading or trailing end panel 84 . The dispenser pattern 40 forms a dispenser 80 having a dispenser flap 92 that can be partially or completely removed to position the box 90 in an open or dispensing configuration. Generally, however, the dispenser flap 92 of the first embodiment is intended to be only partially removed from the carton 90 during use.

Opening of the dispenser 80 can be initiated by inserting one or more fingers into the carton 90 through the cutout opening 55 of the opening member 66 . Dispenser 80 is fully opened by pulling dispenser flap 92 out and down and tearing carton 90 along tear lines 41,42,47,48,49,50,51,52. This tearing of carton 90 along tear lines 41,42,47,48,49,50,51,52 causes dispenser flap 92 to move in a pivot-type motion about a imaginary line extending horizontally between the J-shaped cuts 53, 54. The tearing of the carton along 90 tear lines 51 and 52 can be stopped by the J-shaped cuts 53, 54 to leave the dispenser flap 92 partially connected to the remainder of the carton 90 through a now folded segment of the first outlet end flap 32 and second outlet end flap 36 extending generally horizontally between cutouts 53, 54 J-shaped. Partial removal of the dispenser flap 92 creates an opening 95 into the carton 90, allowing the user to remove an item C therefrom. Figure 3 shows the carton 90 in an open or dispensing configuration after partial removal of the flap 92 from the dispenser. The opening of the dispenser 80 may have a tendency to cause the upper most front item C to move to and be received within the interior of the now inverted dispenser flap 92 as shown in Figure 3, thus facilitating the dispensing of the first item C. Particularly in the case where the items C are cans or otherwise generally cylindrical in shape, the remaining top row of items C may have a tendency to roll forward so that each of the items C in the top row The remainder is received within a valley defined by the space between two adjacent C items of the bottom row.

The downward sloping of the tear lines 51, 52 advantageously facilitates "automatic" tearing along these lines as the user rotates the dispenser flap 92 out and down in a natural motion, and prevents the lines 51 , tear 52 inadvertently function as fold lines. It has been found that it is desirable to select an angle a greater than or equal to about 5 degrees to produce this type of "automatic" tear functionality. It has also been found that the use of shallow V-shaped cuts for tear lines 51, 52, as described, facilitates tearing along tear lines 51, 52 when the flap is pulled and rotated. 92 of the dispenser in the manner described.

Figure 4 is a plan view of a blank 210 used to form a carton 290 (see Figures 5-7) according to a second embodiment of the invention. The blank 210 and corresponding carton 290 may be generally similar to the blank 10 and carton 90 described above, and the same or similar reference numerals in the figures indicate the same or similar elements. The difference between the first and second embodiments relates to the first end dispenser pattern 260 disposed on the flap 232 of the first side of the outlet end, and the second end dispenser pattern 262 disposed on the flap 236 of the second side of the output end. outlet end.

The first end dispenser pattern 260 includes a first first end tear line 251 . A close-up view of the first end dispenser pattern 260 is shown in Figure 9 . The first end first tear line 251 extends from a point at or adjacent to the fold line 221 that is at or adjacent to the second first side tear line 248, to a point at or adjacent to a second tear line 298 . first end tear. The first end first tear line 251 preferably consists of a plurality of V-shaped surface cuts arranged in a relatively straight line defining an axis. The first leg of each of the V-shaped cuts generally coincides with this axis, and the second leg bends slightly off-axis toward the top of the constructed carton 290. The first end tear line 251 it extends in a predominantly transverse direction (i.e., towards the second side of the constructed carton 290) but is also sloped downward toward the bottom of the carton at an angle p from the horizontal (with reference to the cardboard box built 290). The angle p is preferably at least about 5 degrees. The first end second tear line 298 is preferably shorter in length than the first end tear line 251 and curves downward toward the bottom of the mounted box 290. The first end second tear line 298 is preferably oriented in a generally downward direction. The second first end tear line 298 extends to a point at or adjacent to a J-cut 253. The J-cut 253 is configured to stop further tearing of the flap 232 on the first side of the end. Exit. In the second illustrated embodiment, the "hook" of the J-cut 253 opens into the curve of the second tear line 298 of the first end. The first end dispenser pattern 260 does not extend completely through the flap 232 of the first exit end side, and the J-shaped cut 253 is thus spaced inwardly a distance from the outer edge of the flap 232 of the dispenser. first side of the output end. The slope of the first end tear line 251 and the curvature of the first end tear line 298 position the J-cut 253 within relatively close proximity to the bottom edge of the first side flap 232 . outlet end. The J-shaped cutout 253 is separated from the lower edge of the first trailing end side flap 232 by a region of the first trailing end side flap 232 labeled 300 in Figures 4 and 9.

The second end dispenser pattern 262 may be a generally mirror image of the first end dispenser pattern 260 . The second end dispenser pattern 262 includes a first second end tear line 252 . The second end first tear line 252 extends from a point at or adjacent to the fold line 221 that is at or adjacent to the second side tear line 250, to a point at or adjacent to a second side tear line 299 . second end tear. The second end first tear line 252 preferably consists of a plurality of V-shaped surface cuts arranged in a relatively straight line defining an axis. The first leg of each of the V-shaped cuts generally coincides with this axis, and the second leg bends slightly off-axis toward the top of the constructed carton 290. The first tear line 252 of the second end it extends in a predominantly transverse direction (i.e., towards the second side of the constructed carton 290) but is also sloped downward toward the bottom of the carton at an angle p from the horizontal (with reference to the cardboard box built 290). The angle p is preferably at least about 5 degrees. The second end tear line 299 is preferably shorter in length than the second end tear line 252 and curves downward toward the bottom of the assembled carton 290. The second end tear line 299 end is preferably oriented in a generally downward direction. The second end tear line 299 extends to a point at or adjacent to a J-cut 254. The J-cut 254 is configured to stop further tearing of the flap 236 on the second side of the end. Exit. In the second illustrated embodiment, the "hook" of the J-cut 254 opens into the curve of the second tear line 299 of the second end. The second end dispenser pattern 262 does not extend completely through the flap 236 of the second outlet end side, and the J-shaped cutout 254 is thus spaced inwardly a distance from the outer edge of the flap 236 of the dispenser. second side of the output end. The slope of the first second end tear line 252 and the curvature of the second end second tear line 299 position the J-cut 254 within relatively close proximity to the flap 236 on the second side of the trailing end. . The J-shaped cutout 254 is separated from the lower edge of the second-side trailing-end flap 236 by a region of the second-side trailing-end flap 236 labeled 301 in Figure 4.

Carton 290 can be assembled in a manner similar to that described above in connection with carton 90.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of carton 290 assembled from blank 210. The opening of the dispenser 280 of the carton 290 can be initiated in a manner similar to that described above in connection with the carton 90. Thus, a user can insert a finger or fingers into the carton 290 through the cutout opening 255 of the opening element 266. Dispenser 280 is fully opened by pulling dispenser flap 292 out and down and tearing carton 290 along lines 241, 242, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 298, 299. The tearing of the carton 290 along the tear lines 298 and 298 can be stopped by the J-shaped cuts 253, 254 to leave the dispenser flap 292 partially connected to the rest of the carton 290 at across a flexible bridge portion 305 (see Figure 5) generally defined by the region of the trailing end panel 284 extending between the first end second tear line 298 and the second end second tear line 299 . The inclusion in the second embodiment of the second end tear line 298 and the second end tear line 299, generally vertically oriented, tends to create a flexible bridging portion 305 as the connection between the flap 292 of the dispenser and the rest of the box 290 cardboard instead of a fold line type connection (as tends to be created in the first embodiment). Figure 6 shows the carton 290 in a first open or dispensing configuration after partial removal of the flap 292 from the dispenser.

Alternatively, and at the option of the user, the dispenser flap 292 may be completely removed by continuing to pull the dispenser flap 292 in a downward and/or outward direction. The configuration of the first and second end dispenser patterns 260, 262 is such that, in the event of such a continuous application of force, the first and second end flaps 232, 236 will tend to tear downward from the cuts 253, 254. J-shaped across regions 300, 301 in a more or less vertical direction, thus separating dispenser flap 292 completely from the rest of carton 290. This tearing through the regions 300, 301 is accomplished without the guidance of any tear lines in these regions. Figure 7 shows the carton 290 in a second open or dispensing configuration after complete separation of the dispenser flap 292 from the rest of the carton 290.

As with the first embodiment, the downward sloping of the tear lines 251, 252 advantageously facilitates "automatic" tearing along these lines as the dispenser flap 292 rotates out and down in a natural motion. by the user, and prevents the tear lines 251, 252 from inadvertently functioning as fold lines. It has been found that it is desirable to select an angle p greater than or equal to about 5 degrees to produce this type of "automatic" tear functionality. It has also been found that the use of shallow V-shaped cuts for the tear lines 251, 252 as described facilitates easier tearing along the tear lines 251, 252 when the flap 292 is pulled and rotated. dispenser as described. The configuration of the first and second end dispenser patterns 260, 262 also advantageously provides the user with greater control over partial or complete removal of the flap 292 from the dispenser. The J-shaped cuts 253, 254 provide a natural stopping point for the tearing of the first side and second side exit end flaps 232, 236 and provide tactile feedback to the user to indicate that the dispenser 280 has reached its end position. connected configuration, fully open. However, if the user wishes to completely remove the flap 292 from the dispenser, the configuration of the first and second end dispenser patterns 260, 262 allows the user to do so in one continuous natural motion with relative ease. In certain embodiment, the bottom of flexible bridge portion 305 and/or the region of exit end panel 284 extending between regions 300 and 301, or portions thereof, may/may not be glued/adhered. /s otherwise to the bottom flap 230 of the outlet end. In such embodiments, complete separation of the dispenser flap 292 from the rest of the carton 290 may require additional tearing or peeling to separate this connection(s).

It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels can be adjusted to accommodate articles of different size or shape.

It will be recognized that, as used herein, directional references such as "top", "base", "front", "rear", "end", "side", "inside", "outside", "top" and "bottom" do not limit the respective panels to that orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another. Any reference to "hinged connection" should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line; in fact, it is envisioned that a hinged connection may be formed from one or more of the following: a short slot, a frangible line, or a fold line, without departing from the scope of the invention. It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels can be adjusted to accommodate articles of different size or shape.

As used herein, the terms "hinged connection" and "fold line" each refer to all types of lines that define hinge features of the sheet material blank or substrate, facilitate folding of portions of the sheet material blank or substrate with respect to one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel fold locations for the sheet material substrate or blank. Any reference to "hinged connection" should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line; in fact, a hinged connection may be formed of one or more fold lines.

As used herein, the term "fold line" can refer to one of the following: a scored line, an embossed line, a reverse embossed line, a line of perforations, a line of short slits , a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, an interrupted cut line, aligned grooves, a line of short marks and any combination of the mentioned options, without departing from the scope of the invention.

As used herein, the terms "tear line", "weakened parting line", "parting line", and "frangible line" can each refer to all types of lines formed in the blank or substrate. of sheet material that facilitate separation of portions of the sheet material blank or substrate from one another, or otherwise indicate optimal separation locations on the blank or substrate. As used herein, the terms "tear line", "weakened parting line", "parting line" and "frangible line" may refer to one of the following: a single cut line, a single cut line from partial depth cut (e.g., a single half-cut line), an interrupted cut line, a score line, an interrupted score line, a line of perforations, a line of short cuts, a line of short slots , a line of short partial depth cuts (eg, a line of short half-cuts), and any combination of the above options.

It should be understood that hinged connections, fold lines, tear lines, weakened parting lines, frangible lines, and parting lines may include features that are formed in the sheet material blank or substrate, including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slots, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a line of cut, an interrupted line of cut, grooves, marks, any combination thereof, and the like. Elements can be sized and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, a line of perforations can be sized or designed with degrees of weakness to define a fold line and/or a frangible line. The line of perforations can be designed to ease folding and resist tearing to provide a fold line, to ease fold and ease higher stress tearing to provide a frangible fold line, or to facilitate low stress tearing to provide a frangible line.

Claims (22)

Claims 1. A blank (10; 210) for forming a carton (90; 290) for containing a plurality of articles (C), the blank (10; 210) comprising: a plurality of main panels (12, 14, 16, 18; 212, 214, 216, 218) hinged together in a linear series, the plurality of main panels configured to form a tubular structure in a carton (90; 290) assembled, the plurality of main panels comprising a bottom panel (12, 212), a first side panel (14; 214), a top panel (16; 216), and a second side panel (18; 218); a plurality of trailing end flaps (30, 32, 34, 36; 230, 232, 234, 236) configured to form a front panel (84; 284) on the assembled carton (90; 290), the front panel configured to enclose a front end of the tubular structure, the plurality of trailing end flaps comprising a first trailing end flap (32; 232) hingedly connected to said first trailing end panel (14; 214). side along a first marginal area of the blank along a longitudinally extending fold line (21; 221) and a hingedly connected trailing end second side flap (36; 236) to said second side panel (18; 218) along said first blank edge area along a longitudinally extending fold line (21; 221); a pattern of the dispenser extending across the top panel (16; 216), first side panel (14; 214), second side panel (18; 218), and front panel (84; 284), in wherein the dispenser pattern comprises a first end dispenser pattern (60; 260) formed on the flap (32; 232) of the first side of the outlet end and a second end dispenser pattern (62; 262) formed on the flap (32; 232). flap (36; 236) of the second side of the exit end, wherein the first end dispenser pattern (60; 260) comprises a first first end tear line (51; 251) and the second end dispenser pattern comprises a first second end tear line (52; 252), and wherein the first first end tear line (51; 251) and the first second end tear line (52; 252) are configured to extend toward down toward each other from opposite sides of the front panel (84; 284) in the carton (90; 290) mounted, wherein an outer edge of said flap (32; 232) of the first side of the trailing end is disposed opposite to said longitudinally extending fold line (21; 221), wherein an outer edge of said flap (36; 236) of the second side of the trailing end is disposed opposite to said longitudinally extending fold line (21; 221), said blank (10; 210) being characterized in that said first and second end dispenser patterns (51, 52; 251, 252) do not extend completely through said respective flaps (32, 36; 232, 236) of the first and second sides of the exit end but stop before the outer edges of the respective flaps (32, 36; 232, 236) of the sides first and second from the exit end, so that, in the assembled carton, a bridge portion (305) is generally defined by a region of the front panel (84, 284) between the terminal ends of said first lines (51). ; 251; 52; 252) of tearing, where said pair bridging tee provides partial removal of a dispenser flap defined by the dispenser pattern, where the first line (51. first end tear line (52; 252) and second end first tear line (52; 252) are configured to define at least in part a bottom edge of a dispenser (92; 292) that is at least partially retractable in the box mounted carton (90; 290) and wherein said first end dispenser pattern comprises a first J-shaped cut (53; 253) disposed at or adjacent to said terminal end of said first tear line (51; 251) of the first end), and wherein said second end dispenser pattern comprises a second J-shaped cut (54; 254) disposed at or adjacent to said terminal end of said first second end tear line (52; 252) said first and second cuts (53, 54; 253, 254) being configured in a J-shape to stop further tearing of said flaps (32, 36; 232, 236) from the first and second sides of the exit end of the panel (84; 284) in the assembled carton (90; 290). The blank of claim 1, wherein said first end tear line defines a first axis and said second end tear line defines a second axis, wherein a first angle between said first axis and a horizontal axis of said front panel is at least about 5 degrees, wherein a second angle between said second axis and said horizontal axis of said front panel is at least about 5 degrees. 3. The blank of claim 1, wherein said dispenser pattern is configured to leave at least a portion of said dispenser connected to a remaining portion of the assembled carton when said dispenser is fully open. The blank of claim 1, wherein said dispenser pattern is configured to give the user of the assembled carton the option to partially or completely remove the dispenser from a remaining portion of the assembled carton when said dispenser is fully open. 5. The blank of claim 1, wherein said first end first tear line comprises a first plurality of V-shaped surface cuts, each of said first plurality of V-shaped surface cuts comprising a first leg generally coinciding with an axis of said first end tear line and a second leg sloping slightly off said axis of said first end tear line and toward the top of the assembled carton, wherein said first second end tear line comprises a second plurality of V-shaped surface cuts, each of said second plurality of V-shaped surface cuts comprising a first leg generally coinciding with an axis of said first second end tear line and a second leg angled slightly off said axis of said first second end tear line and toward said p top art of mounted cardboard box. 6. The blank of claim 1, further comprising a first side dispenser pattern formed on the first side panel and a second side dispenser pattern formed on the second side panel, the dispenser pattern comprising the first side a first side tear line slanting obliquely toward the rear and bottom of the assembled carton and a second side tear line slanting obliquely toward the front panel and top of the carton mounted, a terminal end of the second first side tear line being disposed at or adjacent to a leading end of said first first end tear line, the second side dispenser pattern comprising an inclined first second side tear line obliquely to the rear and bottom of the mounted carton and a second side tear line slanting obliquely. toward the front panel and the top of the assembled carton, a terminal end of the second tear line of the second side being disposed at or adjacent to a starting end of said first tear line of the second end. The blank of claim 6, wherein said first side dispenser pattern comprises a curved first side tear line connecting said first first side tear line and said second first side tear line, and wherein said second side dispenser pattern comprises a curved second side tear line connecting said first second side tear line and said second second side tear line. The blank of claim 1, wherein said first end dispenser pattern comprises a second first end tear line disposed at or adjacent to a terminal end of said first first end tear line, wherein said second first end tear line curves downward toward the bottom of the assembled carton, said second end dispenser pattern comprising a second second end tear line disposed at or adjacent to a terminal end of said second end tear line. first second end tear line, wherein said second second end tear line curves downward toward the bottom of the assembled carton. 9. The blank of claim 8, wherein the first J-shaped cutout is disposed within relatively close proximity to a lower edge of said trailing end first side flap, wherein the second J-shaped cutout J is disposed within relatively close proximity to a lower edge of said outlet end second side flap. 10. The blank of claim 9, wherein said first end dispenser pattern and said second end dispenser pattern are configured to allow a user to fully withdraw said dispenser when said dispenser is fully open, said complete withdrawal tending of said dispenser to cause a generally vertical tearing of the first outlet end side flap through a region of said first outlet end side flap extending between said first J-shaped cut and said bottom edge of said dispenser. said first outlet end side flap, said complete withdrawal of said dispenser being further configured to cause a generally vertical tearing of the second outlet end side flap through a region of said second outlet end side flap extending between said second J-shaped cut and said lower edge of said flap a on the second side of the output end. 11. A carton (90; 290) and a plurality of articles (C) contained therein, the carton (90; 290) comprising: a top panel (16; 216); a lower panel; (12; 212) a first side panel (14; 214) coupled to both the top panel (16; 216) and the bottom panel (12; 212); a second side panel (18; 218) disposed opposite the first side panel (14; 214) and coupled to both the top panel (16; 216) and the bottom panel (12; 212); a rear end panel disposed at a rear end of the carton (90; 290); an outlet end panel (84; 284) disposed at a forward end of the box, the outlet end panel comprising a first side outlet end flap (32; 232) hinged to the panel (14; 214) of the first side along a first fold line (21; 221), wherein an outer edge of said trailing end first side flap (32; 232) is disposed opposite said first fold line (21; 221). creased; and a second side trailing end flap (36; 236) hinged to the second side panel (18; 218) along a further fold line (21; 221), wherein an outer edge of said flap ( 36; 236) of the second side of the trailing end is disposed opposite said additional fold line (21; 221); a dispenser defined by a dispenser pattern, the dispenser pattern defining a dispenser flap that is separable along said dispenser pattern to form an opening into said carton, said dispenser pattern extending at least through of the top panel (16; 216), the first side panel (14; 214), the second side panel (18; 218), and the outlet end panel, wherein the dispenser pattern comprises a pattern (60; 218). 260) of first end dispenser formed on the flap (32; 232) of the first side of the exit end and a pattern (62; 262) of second end dispenser formed on the flap (36; 236) of the second side of the exit wherein the first end dispenser pattern (60; 262) comprises a first end tear line (51; 251) and the second end dispenser pattern comprises a first tear line (52; 252). of the second extreme that define an edge i bottom of the flap of the dispenser, and where the first line (51; The first end tear line (52; 252) and the second end tear line (52; 252) extend downward toward each other from opposite sides of the exit end panel, said carton (90, 290) being characterized by cardboard in that said first and second end dispenser patterns (51, 52; 251, 252) do not extend entirely through said respective flaps (32, 36; 232, 236) of the first and second outlet end sides but that stop short of the outer edges of the respective flaps (32, 36; 232, 236) of the first and second sides of the "exit" end, whereby a bridge portion (305) is generally defined by a region of the panel (84; 284) of the exit end between the terminal ends of said first lines (51; 251; 52; 252) of tearing of the first and second ends, wherein said bridge portion allows partial removal of the flap of the dispenser , where said dispenser pattern of p first end comprises a first cut (53; 253) disposed at or adjacent to said terminal end of said first end tear line (51; 251), and wherein said second end dispenser pattern comprises a second end cut (54; 254) of J disposed at or adjacent to said terminal end of said first line of tearing of said second end, said first and second J-shaped cuts (53, 54; 253, 254) being configured to stop further tearing from the outlet end panel. 12. The carton of claim 11, wherein said plurality of containers comprises a plurality of cans. 13. The carton of claim 12, wherein said plurality of cans are arranged on their sides in at least two stacked rows, wherein the width of said top panel and said bottom panel is approximately equal to or slightly greater than the height characteristic of each of said plurality of cans. 14. The carton of claim 11, wherein said first end tear line defines a first axis and said second end tear line defines a second axis, wherein a first angle between said first axis and a horizontal axis of said front panel is at least about 5 degrees, wherein a second angle between said second axis and said horizontal axis of said front panel is at least about 5 degrees. The carton according to claim 11, wherein said dispenser pattern is configured to leave at least a portion of said dispenser flap connected to a remaining portion of the carton when said dispenser is fully open. 16. The carton of claim 11, wherein said dispenser pattern is configured to give the carton user the option to partially or completely remove the dispenser flap from a remaining portion of the carton when said dispenser is on. completely open. 17. The carton of claim 11, wherein said first end first tear line comprises a first plurality of V-shaped surface cuts, each of said first plurality of V-shaped surface cuts comprising a first leg generally coincident with an axis of said first end tear line and a second leg sloping slightly off said axis of said first end tear line and toward the top panel, wherein said second end tear line comprises a second plurality of V-shaped surface cuts, each of said second plurality of V-shaped surface cuts comprising a first leg generally coinciding with an axis of said first second end tear line and a slightly inclined second leg off said axis of said first second end tear line and toward the top panel. 18. The carton of claim 11, further comprising a first side dispenser pattern formed on the first side panel and a second side dispenser pattern formed on the second side panel, the dispenser pattern comprising the first side a first side tear line slanting obliquely towards the rear and bottom panels of the carton and a first side tear line slanting obliquely towards the exit end panel and the top panel, a terminal end being of the first side second tear line disposed at or adjacent to a leading end of said first end first tear line, the second side dispenser pattern comprising a first second side tear line sloping obliquely toward the rear panels and bottom and a second side tear line slanting obliquely toward the exit end panel and the top panel , a terminal end of the second tear line of the second side being disposed at or adjacent to a starting end of said first tear line of the second end. 19. The carton of claim 18, wherein said first side dispenser pattern comprises a curved first side tear line connecting said first first side tear line and said second first side tear line, and wherein said second side dispenser pattern comprises a curved second side tear line connecting said first second side tear line and said second second side tear line. 20. The carton of claim 11, wherein said first end dispenser pattern comprises a second first side tear line disposed at or adjacent to a terminal end of said first first end tear line, wherein said second first end tear line curves downwardly toward the bottom panel, wherein said second end dispenser pattern comprises a second second end tear line disposed at or adjacent a terminal end of said first second end tear line. end, wherein said second end tear line curves downward toward the bottom panel. 21. The carton of claim 20, wherein the first J-shaped cutout is disposed within relatively close proximity to a lower edge of said flap of the first trailing end side, wherein the second J-cutout J-shape is disposed within relatively close proximity to a lower edge of said outlet end second side flap. 22. The carton of claim 21, wherein said first end dispenser pattern and said second end dispenser pattern are configured to allow a user to fully remove said dispenser flap when said dispenser is fully open, said tending complete withdrawal of said flap from the dispenser to cause a generally vertical tearing of the first side outlet end flap through a region of said first side outlet end flap extending between said first J-shaped cut and said lower edge of said first outlet end side flap, said complete withdrawal of said dispenser flap further being configured to cause a generally vertical tearing of the second outlet end side flap through a region of said dispenser flap second side of the trailing end extending between said second J-cut and said edge bottom of said flap on the second side of the output end.